![]() If your pup has rough, callused paw pads but spends a lot of time outdoors or out on hikes with you, there’s no need for alarm! He is simply building up what is essentially a pair of shoes to contend with uneven, grainy, or rocky terrain without hurting the padded layer of fat and blood vessels that are present in paw pads. Just as the soles of various human feet will vary widely depending on the way they live (and the terrain the person walks upon), dog paws will always reflect their environment, since they naturally walk “barefoot” everywhere they go. There is no “optimal” condition for a dog paw in terms of roughness or smoothness. Some dogs even habitually chew at their paw pads the way we might bite our fingernails! Paw Pad Condition Varies Pads can also sweat when the dog is nervous or anxious, just as we would get clammy hands in a stressful situation like a job interview. That’s why, as adorable as doggie shoes are, they shouldn’t be worn for extended periods of time – it would be like humans wearing sneakers but never socks, as it would chafe and sweat would accumulate uncomfortably. No Sweat! Your dog also sweats from their paw pads, believe it or not. If the dog is traveling in slippery or steep conditions, it gives them an added boost of traction to keep their footing secure. ![]() Carpal Pad: Think of the carpal pad – a small circle that sits on the highest back portion of the paw and lower leg – as being a little like emergency brakes.Dewclaw: Scientists believe that canine dew claws are the leftover remnants of what may have once been thumbs! While they don’t serve much active purpose for most dogs today, they can unfortunately get snagged and torn in canine mishaps, so it’s important to examine them if your dog is showing signs of paw injury.This cushion takes a lot of the stress of a doggie stride and allows it to bounce back and keep walking or playing. Metacarpal Pads: This is the large “central” pad that looks a little like a cartoon nose when viewed at a certain angle.Too rough and/or cracked, and you might need to stick to soft, grassy areas for a while until they heal. Because they are the first part to contact the ground during a stroll, they’re also an excellent indicator of how your pooch is faring – too hot, and they need to cool down. Digital Pads: These are roughly equivalent to human finger pads and take the brunt of a dog’s weight while out for a walk.For the best results and the cleanest cut, either trust your dog to a professional or use a guillotine-style cutter rather than a flat nail clipper, which may cause nail splintering or jagged edges. ![]() Great care must be taken when trimming a dog’s nails, as cutting into the quick by mistake can cause your dog pain, shock, and distrust in your intentions. Made of a hard fingernail-like substance called keratin, these nails have an inner core with nerve endings and blood vessels inside, called the quick. They can be used to dig in the dirt, injure enemies, and offer traction in slippery terrain they also help your pooch hold onto prey, food, or toys.
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